A blog dedicated to the discussion of topics relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County, Ohio; inspired by the collections of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center and Follett House Museum. A service of the Sandusky Library.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

The 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky

From August 24 through 29, 1924, Sandusky celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky. An open air religious service kicked off the festivities. The service was held at the Courthouse Square, and everyone was invited, regardless of religious affiliation. A mass choir, accompanied by Ackley’s Band, sang sacred music. At midnight a cannon was fired in Washington Park. Local residents and visitors were asked to sign the registration book in a log cabin in Washington Park.

The Sandusky Register published lists of the names of out of town visitors to the celebration throughout the week. On Monday, August 25, the Sandusky High School athletic grounds hosted a historic pageant produced by Lew J. Griffith and George J. Lehrer. Noted theatrical manager Daniel Frohman attended the pageant, and stated that “The pageant was a remarkable, gorgeous and edifying achievement. I enjoyed every moment of my stay and the centennial of my home town will always be a cherished memory.”

On Wednesday, August 27, a large parade was held at 2:30 p.m. as a major feature of the Centennial. Civic, fraternal, patriotic, and businesses all participated. Public buildings were closed at 1 p.m., and most retail merchants closed early. Various segments of the parade met at several different formation points, and then traveled down Jackson Street and on to downtown Sandusky.

Here is a view of the parade traveling south on Columbus Avenue. Holzaepfel’s Sporting Goods and the Interurban Station can be seen on the west side of Columbus Avenue.

Many women’s organizations participated in the parade.

Several Sandusky policemen, city officials, Dan Frohman, Ackley’s Band, and a host of uniformed groups participated in the parade. There were over 170 vehicle entries.

On Friday afternoon a “Kiddies Karnival” was held for children between the ages of 2 and 12. Over 1,000 ice cream cones were distributed at the carnival, and prized awarded in a variety of categories, including decorated bicycles, costumes, and dolls. Out of town guests were invited on an automobile tour of the city with automobiles provided by the Erie County Automobile Club. The tour visited places of historical, civic, and industrial interest throughout the city of Sandusky.

To read more about the 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky, see the historical sketch and official souvenir program, located with the genealogical books in the Reference Services area of the Sandusky Library.